miR-150及其靶基因IRAK2在变应性鼻炎小鼠模型中的表达

目的探讨miR-150及其靶基因IRAK2在变应性鼻炎小鼠鼻黏膜中的表达及其作用。方法SPF级Balb/c小鼠20只,随机分为两组,变应性鼻炎模型组(AR)、对照组(NC),每组10只。模型组用卵清蛋白(OVA)致敏建立变应性鼻炎小鼠模型;对照组使用生理盐水替代。每组随机取4只小鼠,病理检查;每组剩余6只小鼠取其鼻黏膜,实时定量PCR检测小鼠鼻黏膜中miR-150及IRAK2 mRNA表达水平,蛋白印迹法(Western blot)检测IRAK2蛋白的表达,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定血清中OVA特异性IgE、IL-4、IL-13的含量,模型组与对照组miR-150相对表达量与IRAK2 mRNA的相对表达量、OVA特异性IgE、IL-4、IL-13的相关性分析采用Pearson相关性分析。结果AR组小鼠动物行为学评分均大于5分;病理组织HE染色显示AR组鼻黏膜纤毛大量脱落,组织间质水肿、小血管扩张、腺体增生、炎性细胞浸润;血清OVA特异性IgE、IL-4、IL-13表达增加。AR组小鼠鼻黏膜miR-150表达较NC组降低(P<0.05);IRAK2 mRNA表达水平明显高于对照组(P<0.05);且AR组鼻黏膜IRAK2蛋白表达水平也比NC组增加(P<0.05)。AR组与NC组miR-150相对表达量与IRAK2 mRNA表达量和OVA特异性IgE、IL-4、IL-13的含量呈负相关(r=-0.841、-0.869、-0.834、-0.857,P<0.05)。结论miR-150在变应性鼻炎模型小鼠中表达降低且与IRAK2、OVA特异性IgE、IL-4、IL-13含量存在负相关,二者的表达差异可能在变应性鼻炎的发生发展中发挥作用。     

屋尘螨过敏原质粒DNA疫苗对屋尘螨小鼠气道变应性炎症的作用

目的 探讨屋尘螨过敏原质粒DNA疫苗对屋尘螨致敏／激发小鼠气道变应性炎症的作用。方法 40只小鼠分为健康对照组、屋尘螨致敏／激发模型组（用屋尘螨提取液致敏／激发）、Der p1治疗组（用屋尘螨提取液致敏／激发,用编码有屋尘螨过敏原Der p1的真核表达质粒肌肉注射后再次激发）、Der p2治疗组（用屋尘螨提取液致敏／激发,用编码有屋尘螨过敏原Der p2的真核表达质粒肌肉注射后再次激发）、Der p1联合Der p2治疗组（用屋尘螨提取液致敏／激发,用编码有屋尘螨过敏原Der p1和Der p2的真核表达质粒肌肉注射后再次激发）5组,每组8只。检测5组小鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）中细胞计数和分类。取5组小鼠肺组织行病理检查。测BALF、血清中IL-4、IL-5、IFNγ／水平及BALF中IgE、IgG1水平。结果 屋尘螨致敏／激发模型组小鼠肺组织可见明显炎性细胞浸润;BALF中炎性细胞特别是嗜酸性粒细胞计数较健康对照组明显升高（P〈0．01）,IL-4、IL-5、IgE、IgG1水平较健康对照组明显升高（P〈0．001）,IFNγ／水平与健康对照组比较差异无统计学意义（P〈0．01）。经DNA疫苗治疗后,小鼠肺部炎性细胞浸润显著减少;BALF中炎性细胞计数及IL-4、IL-5、IgE、IgG1水平显著下降,IFNγ／水平无显著变化,IL-10水平显著升高。Der p1联合Der p2治疗组各项指标的改善情况优于Der p1治疗组和Der p2治疗组。结论 屋尘螨过敏原质粒DNA疫苗可有效抑制屋尘螨致敏／激发小鼠气道变应性炎症,且两种疫苗联合治疗优于单用一种疫苗治疗。     

血清嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白与儿童变应性鼻炎严重程度的相关性

目的探讨儿童变应性鼻炎（allergic rhinitis,AR）患者血清中嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白（eosinophil cationic protein,ECP）的水平及其与疾病严重程度的关系。方法 119例吸入性AR患者、22例健康对照组采用UniCAP100系统进行吸入物变应原过筛试验检测Phadiatop并检测血清ECP、血清总IgE（TIgE）、血清特异性IgE（sIgE）水平以及嗜酸粒细胞（EOS）计数,对119例吸入性AR患者进行症状评分。结果吸入性AR组与对照组的血清TIgE分别为（479.77±68.70）和（69.27±17.90）IU/ml;血清ECP分别为（29.36±3.18）和（13.66±1.86）ng/L;外周血EOS计数分别为（512.32±246.72）和（256.32±184.23）细胞/mm3;sIgE：屋尘螨分别为（46.95±3.37）IU/ml和0,粉尘螨分别为（60.09±3.41）IU/ml和0,差异有统计学意义,P〈0.05。AR的严重程度与血清ECP之间无相关性。结论血清ECP水平,TIgE、sIgE和EOS计数在吸入性AR患者中明显高于对照组,对AR的发病有着至关重要的作用,但是不能准确反应疾病的严重程度。     

儿茶素调控MAPK通路改善幼鼠过敏性气道炎症反应的机制研究

目的探索儿茶素调控丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)通路改善幼鼠过敏性气道炎症反应的机制。方法选取SPF级BALB/c纯系小鼠50只,根据随机数字表法分为模型组、正常组、阳性对照组、儿茶素低剂量组及儿茶素高剂量组,每组各10只。除正常组外,其他各组小鼠制备过敏性哮喘模型,成功造模后阳性对照组小鼠灌胃剂量为0.5 mg/kg的地塞米松药液,儿茶素低剂量组及儿茶素高剂量组分别灌胃剂量为1 mg/kg、2 mg/kg儿茶素药液,模型组和正常组灌胃等剂量生理盐水,1次/d。观察小鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)内分类细胞、总细胞计数及白细胞介素13(IL-13)、IL-5、IL-4水平,检测小鼠肺组织内p-p38MAPK、ERK、p-ERK、p38MAPK蛋白表达及p38MAPK、ERK mRNA表达。结果与正常组比较,模型组小鼠BALF内IL-13、IL-5、IL-4水平均升高。与模型组比较,阳性对照组、儿茶素低剂量组及儿茶素高剂量组小鼠BALF内IL-13、IL-5、IL-4水平升高降低,差异均有统计学意义(P值均<0.05)。与正常组比较,模型组小鼠肺组织内p-p38MAPK、p-ERK蛋白表达升高。与模型组比较,阳性对照组、儿茶素低剂量组及儿茶素高剂量组小鼠肺组织内p-p38MAPK、p-ERK蛋白表达均降低,差异均有统计学意义(P值均<0.05)。与正常组比较,模型组小鼠肺组织内p38MAPK、ERK mRNA表达均上升,差异均有统计学意义(P值均<0.05)。与模型组比较,阳性对照组、儿茶素低剂量组及儿茶素高剂量组小鼠肺组织内p38MAPK、ERK mRNA表达均降低,差异均有统计学意义(P值均<0.05)。结论儿茶素可使过敏性哮喘小鼠气道内炎症反应有效改善,其作用机制可能和抑制ERK/MAPK信号路径激活有联系。     

内毒素致大鼠急性肺损伤模型的建立

目的建立经尾静脉注射脂多糖致大鼠急性肺损伤动物模型。方法大鼠尾静脉注射5 mg/kg脂多糖,造成急性肺损伤,于注射脂多糖2 h后,分别测定动脉血气分析、血清蛋白含量、肺泡灌洗液中蛋白、细胞间粘附分子-1的含量、肿瘤坏死因子-α、白介素-8,计算肺湿/干重比、肺通透指数,观察肺组织病理学改变。实验设置生理盐水对照组。结果肺组织病理切片提示脂多糖组肺间质大量炎性细胞浸润,出血、水肿,而生理盐水组肺组织损伤轻微。对照组肺湿/干重比、肺泡通透指数、肺泡灌洗液中中性粒细胞比均显著低于脂多糖组(P<0.05),而动脉血氧分压则高于脂多糖组(P<0.05)。脂多糖组肺泡灌洗液中肿瘤坏死因子-α、细胞间粘附分子-1、白介素-8浓度高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论此模型基本符合急性肺损伤诊断标准及动物模型的考察指标符合临床,说明本模型是成功可靠的。     

白介素17抗体减轻吸烟所致慢性阻塞性肺疾病模型小鼠的气道炎症

目的 研究白介素17(interhukin-17,IL-17)抗体在吸烟所致慢性阻塞性肺疾病(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD)模型小鼠气道炎症中的作用.方法 C67/BL6雄性小鼠随机分为COPD组(8只)、COPD+IL-17抗体干预组(简称COPD+干预组,8只)和正常对照组(10只).对支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)进行细胞计数、染色和分类;用酶联免疫吸附试验检测小鼠肺组织匀浆IL-17水平,观察各组小鼠气道病理改变.结果 COPD组与COPD+干预组相比肺功能差异无统计学意义.COPD组、COPD+干预组小鼠与正常对照组相比BALF细胞总数显著增高[分别为(19.64±1.89)×104/ml,(15.47±2.99)×104/ml和(5.13±1.00)×104/ml,P＜0.01];COPD+干预组较COPD组细胞总数下降(P＜0.01);中性粒细胞比例[分别为(8.58+6.77)%,(22.98±8.46)%]及绝对值[(1.28±0.96)×104/ml,(4.53±1.73)×104/ml]显著下降(P值均＜0.01).肺组织HE染色病理评分COPD+干预组(73.25±18.58)较cOPD组(106.13±36.27)炎症有所减轻(P＜0.05).COPD+干预组小鼠肺组织匀浆中IL-17含量(0.084±0.041)pg/mg pro与COPD组(0.221±0.081)pg/mg pro相比显著降低(P＜0.01).结论 吸烟所致COPD小鼠模型中IL-17参与了中性粒细胞引起的气道炎症,抑制IL-17的表达,可以减少气道内中性粒细胞的数量,减轻气道炎症.     

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation in a model of secondary allergen challenge

We compared for the first time the therapeutic potential of a specific phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, rolipram, with anti-VLA-4 and anti-IL-5 in a model of secondary allergen exposure of previously sensitized and challenged mice. To address these issues, mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) (primary challenge). Six weeks later, sensitized/challenged mice were reexposed to OVA (secondary challenge) and airway response (resistance [RL] and dynamic compliance [Cdyn]) to inhaled methacholine was monitored. After secondary OVA challenge, RL significantly increased as did the number of lung inflammatory cells and IL-4 and IL-5 production in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Administration of rolipram, in a dose-dependent manner, significantly prevented both changes in RL and Cdyn, as well as eosinophil, lymphocyte, and neutrophil accumulation in the BALF; IL-4 and IL-5 levels in BALF were also significantly reduced. In contrast, treatment with anti-VLA-4 and anti-IL-5 only prevented changes in RL and eosinophil numbers and IL-5 production in BALF. Further, goblet cell hyperplasia was suppressed only by treatment with rolipram. None of the treatments affected OVA-specific antibody levels. These studies confirm that IL-5 dependent eosinophilic inflammation plays an essential role in the development of certain aspects of airway function after rechallenge of sensitized mice and that lymphocytes and neutrophils are also important in the development of altered airway function. The use of agents that inhibit PDE4 may have an important role in the treatment of asthma in previously sensitized mice.     

Berberine improves airway inflammation and inhibits NF-κB signaling pathway in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of asthma

Objectives: Berberine has been reported for its various activities including anti-inflammatory effects and has been used in treating many diseases. However, its effects on airway inflammation in asthma have not been investigated. This study mainly aimed to detect its effects on the airway inflammation and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway activity in a rat model of asthma. Methods: Asthma was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. The asthmatic rats were respectively treated with vehicle PBS or berberine (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) for 28 days. The control rats were treated with PBS. Inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted and the lung inflammation was scored. Levels of NF-κB p65 (mRNA and protein), phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), inhibitory κB alpha (IκBα) (mRNA and protein) and phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), as well as NF-κB p65 DNA-binding activity, were measured to assess the activity of NF-κB signaling pathway. Levels of the downstream inflammatory mediators of NF-κB signaling, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13 and IL-17 in BALF, were measured. Besides, the serum levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E were measured. Results: Results showed that OVA increased the number of inflammatory cells in BALF, elevated lung inflammation scores, enhanced the NF-κB signaling activity and promoted the production of IgE in rats. Berberine dose-dependently reversed the alterations induced by OVA in the asthmatic rats. Conclusions: The findings suggested a therapeutic potential of berberine on OVA- induced airway inflammation. The ameliorative effects on the OVA-induced airway inflammation might be associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.     

PTEN在支气管哮喘大鼠气道炎症中的作用

目的探讨PTEN在支气管哮喘（简称哮喘）人鼠气道炎症中的作用。方法20只SPF级雄性SD大鼠随机分为2组。对照组和哮喘组。以卵清白蛋白致敏激发法复制大鼠哮喘模型,每只大鼠左肺留取肺组织,右肺进行支气管肺泡灌洗歼留取支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）。对BALF进行细胞分类计数;应用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附试验（Sandwich ELISA）法测定BALF中IL-4、IL-12浓度;采用免疫组织化学法和Western blot法测定PTEN蛋白的表达和量的变化。结果①BALF IL-4的浓度哮喘组显著高于对照组,BALF中IL-12的浓度哮喘组屁著低于对照组（P值均〈0．01）;②免疫组织化学显示PTEN蛋白主要表达细胞是支气管上皮细胞,Western blot法显示哮喘组支气管PTEN蛋白的表达显著低于对照组（P〈0．01）;③支气管上皮细胞PTEN蛋白表达量分别与BALF中的IL-4浓度呈显著负相关,与BALF中的IL—12浓度呈显著正相关。结论哮喘大鼠PTEN蛋白表达明显减少,它能减少Th2因子的表达,可能与哮喘大鼠气道炎症中Th1／Th2平衡密切相关。     

尘螨主要变应原DNA疫苗对其提取液诱导小鼠肺部变应性炎症的免疫保护作用

目的　探讨尘螨主要变应原DNA疫苗对尘螨提取液诱导的小鼠肺部变应性炎症的免疫治疗作用。方法　分别构建表达Derp1和Derp 2的真核表达质粒pCMV Derp 1和pDerp 2 IRES Derp1。 30只BALB/c小鼠随机分为正常组 (6只 )、对照组 (12只 )、单质粒组 (6只 )和混合组 (6只 )。后三组分别用空白质粒、pDerp 2 IRES Derp 1或混合的pDerp 2 IRES Derp 1和pCMV Derp 1免疫 ,4周后用尘螨提取液致敏、激发 ,观察肺部炎症、计分、肺泡灌洗液 (BALF)细胞总数和分类计数 ;酶联免疫吸附法 (ELISA)检测BALF中白细胞介素 4 (IL 4 )和γ干扰素 (IFN γ)水平。结果　细胞总数和嗜酸细胞(EOS)计数 :混合组 [(6± 4 )× 10 5/ml、0 0 5± 0 0 4 ]和对照组 [(2 1± 13)× 10 5/L、1 80± 1 39]比较差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5 ) ;IL 4水平 :混合组 [(16 8± 2 33)g/L]与对照组 [(5 38± 2 5 6 )g/L]比较差异有显著性 (P<0 0 5 ) ,各组间IFN γ比较差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 )。结论　尘螨主要变应原的DNA疫苗可有效抑制尘螨提取液诱导的肺部变应性炎症 ,能表达两个主要变应原的DNA疫苗其抑制变应性炎症效果优于只表达一种变应原的疫苗。     

Effects of Ionized Waterfall Aerosol on Pediatric Allergic Asthma

Objective. Ionized water aerosols have been suggested to exert beneficial health effects on pediatric allergic asthma. Their effect was evaluated in a randomized controlled clinical trial as part of a summer asthma camp. Methods. Asthmatic allergic children (n = 54) spent 3 weeks in an alpine asthma camp; half of the group was exposed to water aerosol of an alpine waterfall for 1 hour per day, whereas the other half spent the same time at a “control site”. Immunological analysis, lung function testing, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing were performed during the stay, and sustaining effects were evaluated 2 months later. Symptom score testing was done over a period of 140 days. Results. The water aerosol group showed a significant improvement in all lung function parameters, whereas only the peak expiratory flow improved in the control group. All patients showed a significant improvement in symptom score and a significant decrease in FeNO after the camp. Only the water aerosol group exhibited a long-lasting effect on asthma symptoms, lung function, and inflammation in the follow-up examination. Induction of interleukin (IL)-10 and regulatory T (Treg) cells was measured in both groups, with a pronounced increase in the water aerosol group. IL-13 was significantly decreased in both groups, whereas IL-5 and eosinophil cationic protein were decreased only in the water aerosol group. Conclusions. Our findings confirm the induction of Treg cells and reduction in inflammation by climate therapy. They indicate a synergistic effect of water aerosols resulting in a long-lasting beneficial effect on asthma symptoms, lung function, and airway inflammation.     

Increased interleukin-5 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is a major factor for eosinophil accumulation in acute eosinophilic pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Increased interleukin-5 (IL-5) levels have been reported in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP); however, it still remains to be determined whether IL-5 is responsible for the eosinophil accumulation in the lung. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effect of antibodies against cytokines on eosinophil chemotaxis induced by BALF from AEP patients to identify factors responsible for eosinophil accumulation. METHODS: We measured a series of specific cytokines, including IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, RANTES, MCP-1, MIP-1alpha and eotaxin, in the BALF from 4 patients with AEP. BALF from 4 patients with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) and 13 patients with non-eosinophilic interstitial lung diseases (ILD) were examined as controls. The eosinophil chemotactic activity in the BALF was examined using tissue culture insert furnished with a polycarbonate membrane. RESULTS: The total protein content in BALF from patients with AEP was extremely elevated. Even after standardization with protein concentration, IL-5 levels in AEP patients were significantly higher than those in CEP and ILD. IL-3 and chemokines were rather lower in the AEP group than in the CEP and ILD groups. In AEP BALF, anti-IL-5 neutralizing antibody significantly inhibited eosinophil chemotaxis. Antibodies against IL-3, GM-CSF, and IL-8 did not affect the eosinophil migration. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that locally produced IL-5 plays an important role in eosinophil accumulation of AEP.     

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Negatively Regulates Allergic Rhinitis in Mice

BackgroundPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) has been shown to play an important role in the control of inflammatory responses acting on macrophages, mast cells, T cells, and eosinophils. The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of PPAR-γ agonist on nasal symptoms and eosinophil accumulations in nasal mucosa by using a murine allergic rhinitis model. Furthermore, we examined the expression of PPAR-γ in the nasal mucosa in mice.MethodsBALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged intranasally with ovalbumin. Ciglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist, was administered orally 6 hours before each nasal challenge.ResultsAdministration of PPAR-γ agonist significantly decreased the number of nasal rubs, nasal histamine responsiveness, serum IgE, IL-5 production from the spleen, and eosinophilic infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Furthermore, PPAR-γ was expressed in eosinophils and epithelial cells in the nasal mucosa by immunohistochemistry.ConclusionsPPAR-γ was expressed in eosinophils and epithelial cells in the nasal mucosa. Also, the oral administration of ciglitazone is effective in upper airway allergic inflammation in mice.     

Prevention of IL-6 signaling ameliorates toluene diisocyanate-induced steroid-resistant asthma

BackgroundAccumulating evidence indicated the crucial role for interleukin 6 (IL-6) signaling in the development of allergic asthma. Yet, the role of IL-6 signaling in toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced mixed granulocytic airway inflammation still remains unclear. Thus, the aims of this study were to dissect the role of IL-6 signaling and to evaluate the effect of tocilizumab on TDI-induced steroid-resistant asthma.MethodsTDI-induced asthma model was prepared and asthmatic mice were respectively given IL-6 monoclonal antibody, IL-6R monoclonal antibody (tocilizumab, 5 mg/kg, i.p. after each challenge) for therapeutic purposes or isotype IgG as control.ResultsTDI exposure just elevated IL-6R expression in the infiltrated inflammatory cells around the airway, but increased glycoprotein 130 expression in the whole lung, especially in bronchial epithelium. Moreover, TDI inhalation increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine, coupled with mixed granulocytic inflammation, exaggerated epithelial denudation, airway smooth muscle thickening, goblet cell metaplasia, extensive submucosal collagen deposition, dysregulated Th2/Th17 responses, as well as innate immune responses and raised serum IgE. And almost all these responses except for raised serum IgE were markedly ameliorated by the administration of IL-6 neutralizing antibody or tocilizumab, but exhibited poor response to systemic steroid treatment. Also, TDI challenge induced nucleocytoplasm translocation of HMGB1 and promoted its release in the BALF, as well as elevated lung level of STAT3 phosphorylation, which were inhibited by anti-IL-6 and anti-IL-6R treatment.ConclusionsOur data suggested that IL-6 monoclonal antibody and tocilizumab might effectively abrogate TDI-induced airway inflammation and remodeling, which could be used as a clinical potential therapy for patients with severe asthma.     

白介素17、白介素6在香烟烟雾诱导大鼠气道炎症模型中的变化

目的 观察香烟烟雾暴露大鼠气道炎症模型血清和支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中白介素17(IL-17)、IL-6的变化,以探讨其可能在气道炎症中所起的作用.方法 40只健康清洁级雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为四组:12周正常对照组(C1组)、24周正常对照组(C2组)、12周香烟烟雾暴露组(S1组)、24周香烟烟雾暴露组(S...     

肺泡巨噬细胞在慢性阻塞性肺疾病气道炎症中的作用

目的探讨肺泡巨噬细胞(AM)在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)气道炎症中的作用.方法收集支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)和支气管黏膜,用ELISA法测定BALF和AM培养上清液中巨噬细胞炎症蛋白(MIP)-lα、明胶酶B(MMP-9)及白细胞介素(IL)-8的浓度,用放射免疫法测内皮素(ET)浓度,用免疫组化法测BALF中淋巴细胞功能相关抗原1阳性(LFA-1+)AM数、黏膜内CD+/68细胞数和气道黏膜厚度.结果COPD组AM培养上清液中MIP-1α、MMP-9、ET、IL-8的浓度分别为(1446.9±126.7)μg/L、(16.98±5.15)μg/L、(43.98±5.54)ng/L、(168.10±21.22)μg/L,正常对照组为(1123.5.5±90.6)μg/L、(5.24±0.93)μg/L、(25.99±6.05)ng/L、(124.68±9.96)μg/L;COPD组支气管黏膜内CD+/68细胞数为(1.71±0.48)细胞/Hp,正常对照组为(0.59±0.18)细胞;COPD组支气管黏膜厚度为(1.96±0.96)×100-μm,正常对照组为(0.83±0.43)×10-1μg;两组比较差异均有显著性.BALF中AM数、AM培养上清液中MMP-9及ET的浓度、黏膜内CD+/68细胞数均与1秒钟用力呼气容积(FEV1)占预计值的百分比呈负相关(r=-0.511,P《0.01;r=-0.678,P《0.01;r=-0.871,P《0.01;r=-0.588,P《0.01);BALF中MIP-1α浓度、IFA-1+AM数与AM数呈正相(r=0.572,P《0.01;r=0.625,P《0.01).结论AM在COPD气道炎症和气道重建的发展过程中可能具有重要作用.     

Increased IL-4- and IL-17-producing CD8+ cells are related to decreased CD39+CD4+Foxp3+ cells in allergic asthma

Objective: In allergic asthma, regulatory T cell (Treg) number and function are decreased. Antigen-primed CD8⁺ T cells play an indispensable role in the full development of airway inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) occurring in asthma. In this study, we investigated the relationship between subpopulations of CD8⁺ T cells and CD39⁺ Tregs. Methods: Female C57BL/6 mice were used to develop the model of allergic asthma. Experimental mice were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) by intra-peritoneal (i.p) injection and then challenged with OVA by intra-tracheal administration. Control mice were immunized with vehicle by i.p injection and challenged with OVA. Airway inflammation was determined by histology and AHR was measured by an invasive method. Levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The frequencies of CD8⁺IFN-γ⁺ cells (Tc1), CD8⁺IL-4⁺ cells (Tc2), CD8⁺IL-17⁺cells (Tc17), and CD39⁺Tregs were measured by flow cytometry. The correlation between CD39⁺Tregs and Tc subsets was analyzed by Pearson’s test. Results: Experimental mice displayed phenotypes of allergic asthma, including inflammatory cell infiltration into the lungs, goblet cell hyperplasia, increased airway resistance, and increased IL-4 and IL-17 in BALF. Compared to control mice, experimental mice displayed lower CD39⁺Tregs and Tc1 but higher Tc2 and Tc17. There was a negative correlation between CD39⁺Tregs and Tc2 or Tc17. Conclusion: In allergic asthma, increased Tc2 and Tc17 are possibly related to insufficient CD39⁺Tregs.     

Development and characterisation of a novel and rapid lung eosinophil influx model in the rat

Eosinophils play a major role in the development and severity of asthma. Robust and rapid preclinical animal models are desirable to profile novel therapeutics inhibiting the influx of eosinophils into the airways. To develop a rapid, airway eosinophil recruitment model in the rat, Brown-Norway (BN) rats were immunised with ovalbumin (OVA)/alum on day 0, 1 and 2 and challenged with OVA aerosol on day 5 and 6. On day 7 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analysed for eosinophil numbers, eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity and cytokines. Lung sections were also examined. The immunised animals showed a strong selective influx of eosinophils into the airways correlating with enhanced EPO activity, Interleukin (IL-4), IL-5 and monocytes chemo attractant protein levels in the BALF in comparison to sham-sensitised rats. In addition the immunised rats developed goblet cell metaplasia in the lung and showed OVA specific IgG1 and IgE levels in the serum but no airway hyperreactivity after metacholine challenge. Airway inflammation was suppressed by applying the steroids Budesonide (intra tracheally) and Prednisolone (per orally), Roflumilast a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, and the H1 receptor antagonists Epinastine and Ketotifen. Montelukast, a Leukotriene receptor antagonist and Chromoglycate, a mast cell stabiliser, had no effect in this model. In summary, in this novel preclinical rat model therapeutics expected to inhibit the development of airway eosinophilia can rapidly be tested.